Notre Dame Fighting Irish number one in the BCS

According to the newly released BCS standings, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-0) are the highest-ranked team in the BCS for the first time in the school’s history.

With an average of .9973 the blue and gold edged out second ranked Alabama at .9333 and no. 3 Georgia at .8763. Notre Dame last week was ranked third behind the then undefeated teams Kansas State and Oregon. After surprising losses by both unbeatens and a commanding Fighting Irish win over Wake Forest 38-0 to remain undefeated at 11-0, Brian Kelly’s team jumped to the top spot in the BCS.

Notre Dame controls its own fate. If the team can beat heated rival USC this week and finish the season 12-0 it should retain its number-one ranking and receive an invitation to play in the BCS Championship Bowl. The Fighting Irish would more than likely play the SEC Championship winner of Alabama versus Georgia.

Head coach Brian Kelly feels this deserved top ranking is one less distraction for his team this week.

"Now we don't have to answer questions about style points or politics," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said. "Now we have a chance to play for the national championship this week."

The last time a number one ranked Notre Dame team coached by Lou Holz travelled to play USC, then ranked number two, it claimed victory and the national championship in 1988.

The luck of the Irish may indeed lead to that golden elusive BCS championship at the end of the rainbow.